PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The attorney for Ammon Bundy told jurors his client is being falsely accused as a conspirator.
In his closing argument Tuesday, Marcus Mumford said Bundy and others who occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge last winter made a peaceful stand — but a determined one— against what they saw as federal government overreach in the prosecution of two Oregon ranchers convicted of setting fires on public lands.
Bundy and six co-defendants are charged with conspiring to prevent federal employees from doing their jobs at the refuge through force, threat or intimidation.
Mumford said Bundy did not have a problem with the employees. The attorney said Bundy took with their employer — the federal government.
Closing arguments for the others defendants will be held Wednesday.